I build custom Joomla templates, so I don’t often use commercial templates. But to save money, clients can start with a commercial Joomla template and save a LOT of development cost. I have used Joomla templates from several commercial template companies, but I have not been happy with most of them due to complicated set up and messy HTML and CSS coding. JoomlaBamboo templates are different: easy set up, clean coding, flexible configuration, and beautiful, elegant designs.
The Good:
- Beautiful Designs. Beauty is in the eyes of the beholder, but this beholder finds JoomlaBamboo template very appealing
- Easy to set up and configure. With many commercial templates, set up and configuration can take several hours: to get the template to look like the demo template, you have to configure all the modules to display in the correct template positions. And then you have to configure the modules. JoomlaBamboo provides a Quickstart package that makes set up and configuration quick and easy. The Quickstart package is a complete Joomla installation that includes the database. Once you install it, you have a copy of the demo template you see on the JoomlaBamboo site, and all of the modules are already configured and working.
- Great Prices. For all the added features, the JoomlaBamboo templates are a great deal.
- Great Free Add On Modules.
- JB Login2 – This module creates a nice AJAX login module that displays in front of the screen when the user clicks the login link. A great way to save space on your page.
- JB Slideshow3 – This slideshow pulls text and an image from the articles you specify. Extensive configuration options and very nice presentation.
- There are many others. See JoomlaBamboo.com for more information.
- Source Files. If you need to make modifications to the template’s images, you get all of the source files in Photoshop files.
- Great Documentation. The JoomlaBamboo provides excellent documentation that clearly explains how to install and configure the template.
The Bad:
- Pay to Remove JoomlaBamboo Branding. Unless you buy an expensive developer package, you are not allowed to remove the JoomlaBamboo branding/logo in the footer of the template. It’s my opinion that if I buy a template or software, I can do whatever I want with it and shouldn’t have to give credit to the developer.
- Confusing “Subscription” Model. I suppose the reason for the subscription model is to adhere to the GNU General Public License which requires that the software be free. Since they are selling a subscription and not the actual sofware, the subscription model is a loophole to bypass the GNU restrictions. Most users don’t understand the subscription model. They think that when the subscription runs out, their template will no longer work. Why not call a spade a spade and just sell the templates?
Bottom Line
If you don’t need a custom Joomla template, I recommend trying one of the JoomlaBamboo templates.